Another NFL season is in the books. But don’t worry, there is still the combine, the draft, free agency, and the trade season to keep you entertained. Many of these teams won’t even take a second to evaluate what went right and wrong and how they need to improve the upcoming season. Here are the 2026 AFC South team needs.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest Needs: WR, LB, CB, OT
The Falcons have a new coach and a new guy calling the shots in Matt Ryan. He and Kevin Stefanski are hoping to right the ship and be competitive in a division that is anything but that. The South is for the taking, but Atlanta must find their starting QB. After the team told Kirk Cousins that he will be released when NFL free agency opens next month, it appears that Michael Penix will be the QB of the future. They must also improve in a couple key positions. They need another legit wideout and need to add to their secondary. Who knows what consequences James Pearce Jr. might face so the linebacker room must be looked at as well.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest Needs: EDGE, WR, RB
The Saints are in an interesting position. They seem content with running it back with Tyler Shough as their starting quarterback. Chris Olave might be traded, and Alvin Kamara is not getting any younger. The Saints should focus on building those areas and Kellen Moore will have plenty of influence in who he brings in. They could also use a legit pass rusher. Chase Young had a breakout year but there needs to be another force to go along with him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest Needs: LB, TE, EDGE, CB
The Buccaneers defense was Swiss cheese last season as far as I am concerned. Time and time again they got burned by offenses that had no business putting up points. They don’t have a great succession plan for Lavonte David who has likely played his last game as a Buc and more importantly, the secondary needs major addressing. Todd Bowles is supposed to be a defensive guru but looked like anything but that in 2025. Mike Evans pending free agency will be a decision the Bucs have to eventually make but it certainly isn’t near the top of their biggest priorities.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest Needs: EDGE, TE, WR, DL
The Panthers made it back to the top of the NFC South in 2025, which to be quite honest isn’t really saying all that much. Bryce Young finally proved that he can be the QB the Panthers invested heavily in. He and Tetairoa “T-Mac” McMillan put up big numbers together and will continue to develop. The Panthers need to address stopping the run and getting more pressure in the pass game on their defensive line. Too many teams were able to bully them in 2025 and if they want to stay at the top, they need to impose their will. After they do that, adding a wide receiver and finding a legit tight end that Young can rely on would go a long way.